Stumbling on the Path...

I threw on my coat and headed out the door. I walked down the sidewalk path and, as I stepped down onto the driveway, I slipped. One leg suspended in air, my body twisted sideways, I was set to land on my side and hip. But I somehow regained balance and kept walking.

“Thank you Lord!” I spoke into the crisp air. I wondered if it was angels that had held me up or if it was Jesus himself. Either way, falling would have really hurt. He saved me from that pain.

And then the Lord spoke to my heart that He did not just save me from falling on my side, but that this was a promise. The day before I cried out in desperation that the Lord would save me from my rotten prideful self. Humble me Lord! Help me not fall into defeat! I’d noticed critical thoughts running through my mind the day before, and I know what comes next. Judgment of others brings judgment on me. I HATE defeat. I loathe the pride in me that tries to climb into Jesus’ throne and pass judgment on others as though I know anything.

And I cried out to God to please save me and forgive me, and to take this flesh and replace it instead with the Holy Spirit – and LOVE and kindness and humility.

Even that morning I had read about Solomon and how he is contrasted with David.  (1 Chronicles and 1 Kings 10,11) Both men sinned, but one repented and the other refused to obey the Lord in just one area. That was the difference. Repentance.  And I cried out that my first love – my adoration of Jesus, of God would never grow cold, but instead grow deeper and deeper as I know Him more.

And this moment was a promise.

I was on the path, and slipped. And the Lord physically held me up, protecting me from falling. And it still wrecks me!

I went into the garage thanking Him, and praising Him. And I collapsed, becoming awestruck. And shattered.  I became Isaiah in the presence of God – I’m RUINED!!! I’m an awful wretch, and you save me?! I don’t deserve your goodness! It’s too much for me!! Yet I receive it.

And I sat and wept and laughed and goobered all over. Even now tears stream as I record it.

I am on the path of righteousness, the Lord goes before me and leads me. And I will stumble but not fall. I will stumble on the path! But He will guard me.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
    He delights in every detail of their lives.
 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
    for the Lord holds them by the hand.

-Psalm 37:23,24

 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. ²⁵ All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.

-Jude 24,25

Lord you are good and can be trusted. Even when I sin, when I repent you are merciful and just to forgive me. You lead me by green pastures and still waters and restore my soul. You restore my soul and create in me a clean heart! Thank you!!!! 

You are awesome and worthy of all praise! 

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